I need to translate a document. I am supplied source in word and must produce target in word. I am also supplied DOTX file which contains the styles needed for target.

The source does not have the styles within as is more generic. Target languages would have different styles.

Anyway, a CAT tool will be used for translation of the source. Essentially I will end up with a translated document with the exact formatting as source.

So I was thinking reformatting the final target document. I know I can open up the template dialog box via developer or Add-ins. Load the template and automatically apply.

I checked the styles pane and the styles were there, but the styles of the new document (basically default styles) were there too. It seems they didn't get replaced but merged. How do I keep the template styles only?



Or do you have any suggestions how to make this as painless as possible?


Thanks,

Understanding Styles in Microsoft Word
You can attach the template to the document using that dialog. You do not click on the Add button but rather the Attach button. Check the box to import styles. Click OK.
Then go back in that dialog, uncheck that box, and click OK.

This does nothing to format your document but does make those styles available to you when you are formatting it.
Templates in Microsoft Word

Start by applying a Body Text or Normal style to everything in the document. Then apply other styles to text you want to be different from that.
3. Using Styles to Format Text

You replace any style definitions in the document with those from the template. You do not erase existing styles, you may add styles.

You can delete styles, not sure why you want to bother. Some built-in styles cannot be deleted. All styles can be hidden.
Managing Word Styles by Suzanne Barnhill, MVP

Thanks Charles. A lot to take in there. Will check it out. Thanks.